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20th September

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1946: First Cannes Film Festival


On this day, the first annual Cannes Film Festival opens. Once a year, the allure of the French Riviera mixes with silver screen mania and pure show business glitz in an international pageant known as the Cannes Film Festival. The festival intended to make its debut in 1939, but the outbreak of World War II delayed the premiere. Finally, on September 20, 1946, the festival was born, and 18 nations were represented at one of the first great postwar cultural events.

1995

A European Court decides that transfer fees between clubs within the European Community are illegal when a player reaches the end of his contract. The judgement becomes known as the 'Bosman Ruling' following the a legal case brought by Belgian footballer Marc Bosman against his club FC Liege.

1989

In South Africa, F.W. De Klerk is sworn in as President.

1984

A terrorist suicide bomber drives a lorry full of explosives into the US Embassy in Beirut killling 40 people.

1977

Victor the Giraffe dies of heart failure at Marwell Park Zoo in Britain six days after doing the splits (all four legs) and not being able to get up again.

1967

In Britain, the launch of cruise liner, the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth II).

1961

Argentinian Antonio Albertondo attempts the first non-stop swim across the English Channel and back. He completes it in 43 hours, 5 minutes.

1917

The first RSPCA animal clinic opens in Liverpool.

1906

An Imperial Edict in China orders the end of the use of opium within 10 years.

1857

British re-capture Delhi from Indian mutineers.

1854

Crimean War: The Battle of Alma, fought between the British and the Russians.

1934

Sophia Loren, Italian film actress, born Sofia Scicolne in Rome.

1927

English jazz musician Johnny Dankworth born in London.

1926

Champion race horse trainer Fred Winter.

1914

British actor Kenneth More

1842

British chemist Sir James Dewar born in Fife, Scotland. Jointly discovers cordite with Sir Frederick Abel (1889); finds the process to liquify hydrogen (1898) and invents the vacuum flask. Dies in 1923 aged 81.

1957

Finnish composer Jean Julius Sibelius aged 92.

1944

Guy Gibson, British World War II pilot and Victoria Cross winner for leading the 'Dambusters' raid against the Mohne and Eder dams, is killed when his aircraft crashes in Holland on its way back to base from another mission..

1863

Jacob Grimm, aged 78. German-born writer who co-wrote 'Grimm's Fairy Tales ' with his brother, Wilhelm.